Sky turns orange as sandstorm hit Iraqi capital Baghdad

The fine windblown dust turned the skies of the city burnt orange.

Anadolu Agency Video News (AAVN) camera captured eerie scenes of the streets in the capital lit up in an illuminated orange color.

Classes at schools in Iraq were suspended for one day due to a heavy sandstorm, the Education Ministry said Monday.

The ministry said in a statement that the heavy sandstorm, which started in the morning in many cities, including the capital Baghdad, negatively affected life. Dozens of people at risk of suffocation were hospitalized.

On May 5, one person died and more than 5,000 needed treatment for breathing problems after a powerful sandstorm swept through the country.